Kota Kinabalu: Island Hopping With Snorkeling & Meal

Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant city on the shores of Borneo, offers an exhilarating island-hopping adventure perfect for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can embark on a speedboat ride to the stunning Manukan and Sapi Islands, where they’ll have the chance to snorkel among the vibrant coral reefs and swim in the crystal-clear waters. A delightful buffet lunch on Manukan Island completes this immersive experience, leaving guests with unforgettable memories amidst the breathtaking scenery. Discover why this tour is a must-do for those seeking to explore the natural beauty of Kota Kinabalu.

Key Points

• Full-day island hopping tour from Kota Kinabalu, including visits to Manukan and Sapi Islands with snorkeling opportunities.
• Priced at $56.35 per person, with optional 1-hour buffet lunch available on Manukan Island.
• Tour offers 4 hours of free time for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing on the islands.
• Vibrant underwater world with rich coral life and diverse marine ecosystem visible through snorkeling.
• Recommended items for the tour include comfortable swimwear, towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The "Island Hopping with Snorkeling & Meal in Kota Kinabalu" tour offers visitors a full-day excursion to explore the natural beauty of the islands surrounding Kota Kinabalu.

Priced from $56.35 per person, the tour includes a speedboat ride to Manukan and Sapi Islands, where travelers can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

Lunch is served on Manukan Island, and the tour also includes use of snorkel equipment, entrance tickets, and round-trip shared transfers.

The tour’s highlights include discovering rich coral life, experiencing crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on the beach.

This tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers.

Itinerary and Activities

After departing from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, travelers embark on a 20-minute speedboat ride to Manukan Island.

They’ll have 4 hours of free time to swim, snorkel, and sightsee. An optional 1-hour buffet lunch is available on the island.

Next, the group takes a 20-minute speedboat ride to Sapi Island, where they’ll have 2 hours to snorkel and view marine life.

Finally, the tour returns to the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal via a 20-minute speedboat ride.

Throughout the day, travelers can discover rich coral life, enjoy crystal-clear waters, and relax on the scenic beaches.

Discovering the Rich Coral Life

Surrounding the islands, travelers can discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with rich coral life.

The crystal-clear waters provide an ideal environment for snorkeling, allowing visitors to observe the diverse marine ecosystem up close. From vibrant soft corals to intricate hard coral formations, the underwater landscape is a delight for the senses.

Brightly colored schools of tropical fish dart through the corals, creating a mesmerizing display of life beneath the surface.

Snorkelers can explore this underwater paradise, marveling at the beauty and fragility of the delicate coral reefs that thrive in these idyllic island settings.

Leisure Time for Swimming and Snorkeling

Upon arrival at Manukan Island, visitors can make the most of their free time by engaging in a variety of aquatic activities.

They can swim in the crystal-clear waters, exploring the vibrant coral reef teeming with diverse marine life. Snorkeling offers a unique opportunity to observe the underwater world up close, where schools of colorful fish dart among the coral formations.

Whether floating on the surface or submerged, guests can fully enjoy the serene beauty of the island’s natural wonders.

This leisure time allows for a rejuvenating and memorable experience.

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Enjoying the Buffet Lunch on Manukan Island

During the island hopping tour, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet lunch on Manukan Island. The lunch offering features a variety of local and international dishes, catering to diverse dietary preferences. The buffet includes:

| Menu Item | Description |

| — | — |

| Grilled Seafood | Freshly caught fish and shellfish |

| Nasi Goreng | Flavorful fried rice with vegetables |

| Chicken Curry | Aromatic curry with tender chicken |

| Assorted Salads | Fresh greens and vegetables |

This lunch break provides a chance to recharge and refuel before continuing the adventure of snorkeling and exploring the stunning island landscapes.

Experiencing Crystal-Clear Waters and Scenic Views

The crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands offer a captivating glimpse into the vibrant marine life below. Snorkelers are treated to a mesmerizing view of colorful coral reefs and a diverse array of tropical fish.

The scenic vistas from the beaches are equally breathtaking, with lush, verdant foliage framing the pristine shorelines. Travelers can soak up the sun, relax on the powdery sand, and take in the serene island atmosphere.

The combination of the crystal-clear waters and the picturesque landscapes creates an unforgettable experience for visitors to Kota Kinabalu’s island paradise.

Relaxing on the Beach and Soaking Up the Sun

After exploring the vibrant marine life and taking in the scenic vistas, visitors can simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. With plenty of opportunities to unwind, guests can lounge on the soft, powdery sand and bask in the warm tropical rays. For those seeking a more active respite, beach activities like volleyball, frisbee, or sandcastle building provide fun diversions. The beautiful surroundings offer the perfect setting to recharge and rejuvenate.

| Activity | Description |

| — | — |

| Sunbathing | Relax on the beach and soak up the sun |

| Beach Games | Play volleyball, frisbee, or build sandcastles |

| Relaxation | Unwind and recharge in the tropical paradise |

Important Information and Traveler Feedback

Although it’s important to arrive 30 minutes before the boat departure at the counter 7, what visitors should bring is equally crucial.

The tour requires comfortable swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen to fully enjoy the activities. Those who can’t swim shouldn’t join, as the islands aren’t suitable for non-swimmers.

According to reviews, the tour offers a fun day of island hopping, snorkeling, and a tasty buffet lunch. Travelers recommended the experience, praising the crystal-clear waters and scenic views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear. The tour provides snorkel equipment, but allowing guests to use their own gear can be more comfortable and convenient if they have it.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for families with young children, as it’s not recommended for non-swimmers. However, the free time for swimming and snorkeling could be enjoyable for older kids if they’re comfortable in the water.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexibility for travelers to make changes to their plans without penalty if needed.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Buffet Lunch?

The tour does not specify any dietary restrictions for the buffet lunch. Travelers with special dietary requirements should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about accommodations.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Islands After the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow for extending your stay on the islands after the scheduled activities. The itinerary is fixed, with a return to the starting point within the allotted time frame.

The Sum Up

Kota Kinabalu’s island-hopping adventure offers an exhilarating escape. Explore vibrant coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in a delightful buffet lunch on Manukan Island. This full-day tour promises unforgettable memories amidst stunning natural scenery, perfect for swimmers and nature enthusiasts alike. With ample time to relax on the beach and soak up the sun, it’s an experience not to be missed when visiting Kota Kinabalu.

You can check availability for your dates here: